After Argentina’s narrow 1-0 loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international soccer, closing a monumental chapter in the sport. Despite the heartbreak, Messi has demonstrated remarkable resilience and brilliance with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS). At 39 years old, he has scored 25 goals and provided 15 assists this season, making him the first player in MLS history to record at least 15 assists in three consecutive seasons. His combined career tally for club and country now stands at 942 goals, with the milestone of 1,000 goals still within reach.

Messi’s impact on the field extends beyond scoring; his strategic positioning, vision, and technical skill continue to shape games profoundly. He often drops deep to control play, drawing defenders and creating spaces for teammates like Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul. Inter Miami’s style now heavily incorporates Messi’s playmaking abilities, a fact underscored by his recent 100th goal for the club during the Campeones Cup victory over Cruz Azul. His contributions have helped raise MLS’s profile globally, boosting attendance, TV ratings, and fan engagement both domestically and abroad.

Off the pitch, Messi remains a global ambassador for soccer and human values, recently earning Spain’s Princess of Asturias Award for his sporting achievements and social work. His presence in MLS has brought newfound prestige and marketability to the league, exemplified by record attendances at away games and a significant rise in TV viewership among key demographics. MLS commissioner Don Garber highlighted the long-term benefits Messi brings in terms of increasing the league’s stature and the growing fanbase, which hit 75.2 million in the U.S. in 2026 — a notable increase from the previous year.

Looking ahead, Messi’s contract with Inter Miami runs through 2028, leaving room for more milestones and championships before he finally retires from playing. While his international career is over, his influence on American soccer and MLS is expected to deepen, both on the field and as a cultural icon. As MLS continues to grow with the boost of global deals like Apple TV’s broadcasting rights, Messi’s ongoing excellence helps anchor the league’s credibility and appeal. His Inter Miami coach Christian Gonzalez praised Messi’s enduring excellence, calling him an “alien” for his extraordinary talent at this stage of his career.